A COUNCILLOR struck down by coronavirus has spoken of how ill it made her.

Cllr Julie Slater, who represents West Pennine ward for the Conservatives, has warned: "Covid can infect anyone."

The 55-year-old said: "Some are affected more than others, some of us have lost loved ones and some of us are the lucky ones who will recover from this deadly virus.

" Unfortunately I came in contact with it, even with taking all precautions and being in my bubble.

"My symptoms started with me feeling cold to the core and my throat started to itch and had a dry cough. So I went to bed with flu tablets, however my stomach became so sore and tender to the touch along with losing my taste and appetite, but my sense of smell remained.

"I became very lethargic and slept a lot. However I am a lucky one. I recovered I am back to 95 per cent good health.

"This virus has affected both my health and wellbeing, I have missed friends and family members some I have not seen since March last year. But I am not the only one who is going through this, many of us have felt very lonely and depressed.

"When I have felt well enough I have done little bits of sewing as it always stops me feeling low. But I still worry about my children who are key workers and are at risk every day doing their jobs and my parents who I cannot see.

"I know how poorly I have been and I wouldn’t wish it even on my worst enemy.

"The only way we can help stop this deadly virus is to follow the rules, Stay Home, Stay Safe and have the vaccine when we are offered it."